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Jerry Clower
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Howard Gerald Clower (September 28, 1926 – August 24, 1998) was an American stand-up comedian. Born and raised in the state of Mississippi, Clower was best known for his stories of the rural South and was given the nickname "The Mouth of Mississippi".
Key Information
Life
[edit]Clower was born in Liberty, Mississippi, and began a two-year stint in the navy after graduating from high school in 1944. Upon his discharge, in 1946, he was a Radioman Third Class (RMN3) and had earned the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with two bronze service stars), and the World War II Victory Medal.[1]
He studied agriculture at Mississippi State University,[2] where he played college football and was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. After finishing school in 1951, Clower worked as a county agent and later as a seed salesman. He became a fertilizer salesman for Mississippi Chemical in 1954.[citation needed]
Career
[edit]By 1954, Clower had developed a reputation for telling funny stories to boost his sales. Tapes of Clower's speaking engagements wound up in the hands of Edwin "Big Ed" Wilkes and Bud Andrews in Lubbock, Texas, who had him make a better-quality recording which they promoted. MCA Records later awarded The Coon Hunt a platinum record for sales in excess of $1 million at the retail level.[3]
At first, Clower took orders at his speaking engagements, selling 8000 copies on the Lemon record label. In time, Wilkes sent a copy to Grant Turner at WSM radio in Nashville, and when Turner played it on the air, Clower said "that thing busted loose." MCA was soon knocking on Clower's door, offering him a contract. Once MCA began distribution in 1971, Jerry Clower from Yazoo City, Mississippi Talkin' retailed more than a million dollars over 10 months and stayed in the top 20 on the country charts for 30 weeks.[4]
Clower's first on-stage engagement occurred in the early 1970s when country radio station owner and show promoter, Marshall Rowland (WQIK, Jacksonville; WDEN, Macon; WQYK, Tampa), received an early Clower recording ("The Coon Huntin' Story") which was met with rave reviews by his station's listeners in Jacksonville. Rowland contacted Clower and offered him an airplane ticket and a few hundred dollars to come open for an upcoming tour Rowland had booked with Charley Pride. Clower arrived back-stage for the Saturday night show at the Jacksonville Coliseum, but Pride's manager Jack Johnson refused to allow it because Clower was non-union. Rowland averted the situation by putting Clower on stage while the lights were up and people were still entering the Coliseum. Clower performed for about 30 minutes. Pride, who watched from backstage, is said to have then taken Clower under his wing and introduced him at the next of Rowland's shows as his "new friend." Clower and Rowland remained very close friends for the years that followed, connecting for events, and working shows together. Clower was a frequent face at Rowland's radio stations over the remaining years of his life, and the music was known to be interrupted with Clower's comedy recordings from time to time, especially at WQIK in Jacksonville, where his career can be said to have been launched in earnest.[5]
His stories often featured the Ledbetters, a quintessential Southern, country folk.[6] Clower made 27 full-length recordings in his 27-year career as a professional entertainer (not counting "best of" compilations). With one exception, all the recordings were released by MCA. The exception was Ain't God Good, which Clower recorded with MCA's blessing at a worship service. Word Records promoted and distributed this title in 1977. This recording gave Clower, always a staunch Christian, an opportunity to present his personal testimony in a comfortable church setting. Clower was well known for his faith and often made references to God in his stories. He spoke at many Southern Baptist Convention events. He said his faith kept him happy and able to make others laugh.[7]
In 1973, Clower became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and continued to perform there regularly until his death. He also co-hosted a radio show called Country Crossroads with Bill Mack and Leroy Van Dyke, which has aired in syndication for 40 years and a television version of the program was produced, as well, starting in 1993. Clower's involvement began in 1973 and lasted well over 20 years. This show was produced and distributed by the Southern Baptist Convention.[8]
Clower also taped segments of Nashville On the Road, which included comedic performances and interviews with other country artists featured on the show. Jim Ed Brown hosted the series with Clower during the program's first season, 1975–76, and they were joined by Helen Cornelius in 1976. Their involvement in the series lasted until 1981. The show continued to air with new host Jim Stafford through 1983. Clower's last album was Peaches and Possums, released posthumously in October 1998. He was the author of four books. The book Ain't God Good became the basis for an inspirational documentary film of the same title that won an award from the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. His other three books include 1978's Let the Hammer Down; 1987's Life Everlaughter, and 1993's Stories From Home.[citation needed]
Death
[edit]Clower died in August 1998 following heart bypass surgery; he was 71 years old. He had been married to Homerline (née Wells) Clower (1926–2018) since August 1947. He had a son, Ray (1953–2011), and three daughters.[9]
Discography
[edit]| Year | Album | Chart positions[10] | RIAA[11] | Label | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Country | US Comedy | US | ||||
| 1971 | From Yazoo City – Mississippi Talkin' | 19 | Gold | Decca | ||
| 1972 | The Mouth of Mississippi | Gold | ||||
| 1973 | Clower Power | 7 | MCA | |||
| 1974 | Country Ham | 12 | ||||
| 1975 | Live in Picayune | 8 | ||||
| 1976 | The Ambassador of Goodwill | 40 | ||||
| 1977 | On the Road | |||||
| 1977 | Ain't God Good!! | Word Records | ||||
| 1978 | Live from the Stage of the Grand Ole Opry! | 50 | MCA | |||
| 1979 | Greatest Hits | 189 | Gold | |||
| 1980 | Ledbetter Olympics | |||||
| 1981 | More Good 'Uns | 43 | ||||
| 1982 | Dogs I Have Known | |||||
| 1983 | Live at Cleburne, Texas | |||||
| 1984 | Starke Raving! | |||||
| 1985 | An Officer and a Ledbetter | |||||
| 1985 | The Best of Jerry Clower | |||||
| 1986 | Runaway Truck | |||||
| 1987 | Top Gum | |||||
| 1988 | Classic Clower | |||||
| 1989 | Let There Be Light | |||||
| 1990 | The Mouth of the Mighty Mississip' | |||||
| 1991 | Racoonteur | |||||
| 1992 | Sidewinder | |||||
| 1993 | Stories Told Funny | |||||
| 1994 | Jerry Joins the Navy | |||||
| 1995 | Fish'n, Frogs, Hawgs, and Dawgs | |||||
| 1997 | Live at Dollywood | |||||
| 1998 | Peaches and Possums {final album} | |||||
| 1999 | Great Moments with Jerry Clower | |||||
| 1999 | Legendary Clower | |||||
| 1999 | More Clower Power | |||||
| 2005 | The Jerry Clower Collection | Madacy Records | ||||
| 2006 | Classic Clower Power | 52 | 3 | MCA Nashville | ||
| 2008 | Collectors Edition Box Set | Madacy Special Markets | ||||
References
[edit]- ^ "The Evening News – Google News Archive Search".
- ^ Puckett, Susan (January 2013). Eat Drink Delta: A Hungry Traveler's Journey Through the Soul of the South. ISBN 9780820344935.
- ^ Profile Archived 2008-07-25 at the Wayback Machine, kdav.com; accessed August 31, 2014.
- ^ AllMusic profile; accessed August 31, 2014.
- ^ Rowland, Marshall (2013-11-20). Fertilizer 'Tween My Toes. ISBN 9781491715710.
- ^ Jerry Clower profile Archived 2011-05-22 at the Wayback Machine, olemiss.edu; accessed August 31, 2014.
- ^ "The Telegraph – Google News Archive Search".
- ^ Jerry Clower profile, cmt.com; accessed August 31, 2014.
- ^ "Observer-Reporter – Google News Archive Search".
- ^ Jerry Clower awards, allmusic.com; accessed August 31, 2014.
- ^ "American album certifications – Jerry Clower – Jerry Clower". Recording Industry Association of America.
External links
[edit]- Jerry Clower at IMDb
- Jerry Clower discography, musicscribe.com; accessed August 31, 2014.
- A Conversation with Jerry Clower (1975). MPB Classics.
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Jerry Clower
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early Life
Birth and Upbringing
Jerry Clower, born Howard Gerald Clower, entered the world on September 28, 1926, in Liberty, Amite County, Mississippi.[3] He was the son of Otha Carl "Buster" Clower and Jacqueline Mabel Burns Clower.[4] Raised in a rural farming community, Clower experienced a modest upbringing after his father deserted the family early on, leaving his mother to head a single-parent household with limited financial resources.[2] He shared daily farm chores, such as tending livestock and crops, with his older brother, W.E. "Sonny" Clower, in the close-knit environment of Amite County.[2] Clower also had a sister, Linda Clower, contributing to a family dynamic centered on resilience and mutual support.[2] His mother, Jacqueline, played a pivotal role in shaping his values, emphasizing hard work, moral integrity, and Christian principles during their challenging circumstances.[2] This rural Southern lifestyle, surrounded by extended family and neighbors whose antics and hardships later fueled his humor, laid the foundation for Clower's appreciation of everyday Southern life.[1]Military Service
Jerry Clower enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17 in 1944, following his high school graduation, to serve in World War II.[5] He underwent training that included Seabee Recruit Training, Radioman “A” School, and Amphibious Communications School, preparing him for service in the Pacific Theater.[6] By late 1944, Clower had achieved the rank of Radioman Third Class (RM3) and was assigned to the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Bennington (CV-20, where he served as a radio operator until his discharge in 1946.[7] Aboard the USS Bennington, Clower participated in key operations of the final stages of World War II, including air strikes supporting the invasions of Iwo Jima in February–March 1945 and Okinawa in April–June 1945.[8] The carrier endured intense combat, including multiple kamikaze attacks during the Okinawa campaign, which tested the crew's resilience amid the high-stakes naval warfare in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.[2] For his service, Clower earned the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze service stars, and the Presidential Unit Citation, recognizing the ship's contributions to these pivotal battles.[6] Clower's time in the Navy not only shaped his discipline—drawing from his rural Mississippi farm upbringing to adapt to shipboard life—but also provided an early outlet for his storytelling humor, which he shared with fellow sailors aboard the Bennington.[5] This experience influenced his later comedy routines, many of which incorporated military anecdotes, reflecting the camaraderie and challenges he encountered during the war.[6]Education and Early Career
College Education
Following his discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1946, Jerry Clower enrolled at Southwest Mississippi Junior College in Summit, Mississippi, where he earned a football scholarship despite having no prior experience in the sport. Standing at six feet tall and weighing 214 pounds, he received a half scholarship and played as a tackle, participating in his first college game just 16 days after beginning practice. His time at the junior college marked the start of his involvement in collegiate athletics, which continued after he transferred to a four-year institution.[9][2] In 1947, Clower transferred to Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, on another football scholarship, where he majored in agriculture and played as a left tackle for two seasons.[5] During his tenure, the Bulldogs compiled records of 7–3 in 1947 and 4–4–1 in 1948.[10][11] He was also a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, engaging in campus life beyond athletics.[12] Clower graduated from Mississippi State in 1951 with a degree in agriculture.[5]Pre-Comedy Professions
Before entering the entertainment industry, Jerry Clower pursued a career in agriculture, leveraging his educational background and military experience. After graduating from Mississippi State University in 1951 with a degree in agriculture, he began working as an assistant county agent in Oxford, Mississippi, where he provided guidance on farming practices and community agricultural development.[5] In 1953, Clower transitioned to the private sector, joining the Mississippi Chemical Corporation in Yazoo City as a fertilizer salesman. His role involved promoting agricultural products to farmers across the region, and he quickly distinguished himself through engaging storytelling during sales presentations, which helped build rapport and boost sales figures. This position marked the beginning of his professional ascent within the company.[5] Over the subsequent years, Clower advanced to the role of Director of Field Services at Mississippi Chemical, overseeing operations related to agricultural supplies and farmer outreach. His success in this capacity stemmed from a combination of agricultural expertise and charismatic communication skills, often drawing on anecdotes from rural Southern life to connect with clients. These experiences in sales and management, spanning nearly two decades, laid the groundwork for his later comedic storytelling style, though he remained focused on his corporate career until a pivotal speaking engagement in 1970.[1][5]Comedy Career
Beginnings in Entertainment
Clower's transition to entertainment occurred later in life, during his tenure as a fertilizer salesman for the Mississippi Chemical Corporation, a position he held starting in 1953 after working briefly as an assistant county agricultural agent. In this role, he frequently regaled farmers with anecdotal stories drawn from his rural Mississippi roots, such as the famous "Coon Hunt Story" involving a humorous escapade with friends Marcellus and Bear. These tales not only enhanced his sales performance but also built a reputation among colleagues and clients for his engaging, down-home humor.[1][5] The pivotal moment came in 1970, when Clower was invited to speak at a farm equipment convention in Lubbock, Texas. There, his colleague Edwin Wilkes recorded Clower's performance, which featured lively storytelling that captivated the audience. Wilkes, along with Bud Andrews, subsequently released the material as a demo on the small Lemon Records label, initially selling over 8,000 copies through personal networks without national promotion. Recognizing its potential, Wilkes sent a copy to Grant Turner at WSM radio in Nashville, where it received airplay and caught the attention of MCA Records executives. Impressed by the authentic Southern wit, MCA signed Clower to a recording contract in 1971, marking his entry into professional entertainment at age 44.[2][13][14][15] Clower's debut album, Jerry Clower from Yazoo City, Mississippi Talkin', re-released under the MCA label in 1971, compiled recordings of his monologues and sold over 1 million copies, earning platinum certification. This rapid success validated his storytelling style, blending exaggeration and folksy charm, and propelled him from regional obscurity to emerging national recognition as a country comedian.[5][14]Rise to National Fame
Clower's transition to professional comedy began in the late 1960s while working as a fertilizer salesman for the Mississippi Chemical Corporation, where he entertained colleagues and clients with anecdotal stories drawn from his rural Southern upbringing. These performances, particularly his signature "Coon Hunt" routine, gained local popularity during sales meetings and speaking engagements, prompting company executive Edwin Wilkes to suggest recording them for broader distribution.[14] The breakthrough came when the 1970 Lemon Records recording reached WSM radio in Nashville, leading to airplay that caught the attention of MCA Records executives. MCA signed Clower to a contract in 1971 and undertook national distribution of his debut album, Jerry Clower from Yazoo City, Mississippi Talkin', which featured his storytelling style emphasizing clean, family-oriented humor about Southern life. The album quickly climbed the Billboard charts, reaching the Top 20 and remaining there for over 30 weeks, while generating more than $1 million in sales within its first ten months, earning platinum certification.[14][5] This success propelled Clower into the national spotlight, with follow-up releases like Clower Power (1973) further solidifying his status as a top country comedian. He was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on October 27, 1973, where his performances became a staple, attracting audiences with tales of everyday Southern characters and mishaps. Over the next decade, Clower released nearly 30 albums with MCA, amassing sales exceeding 8 million units and establishing him as the best-selling country comedian of his era, all while maintaining his wholesome, faith-infused comedic persona.[5][2]Media and Performances
Grand Ole Opry Involvement
Jerry Clower was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry as a member on October 27, 1973, at the age of 47, marking a significant milestone in his comedy career following the success of his debut album.[16] This induction made him one of the last performers to join while the Opry was still based at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.[17] His entry into the Opry came two years after his national breakthrough with the 1971 MCA Records release Jerry Clower from Yazoo City, Mississippi, Talkin', which showcased his storytelling style rooted in Southern life.[2] As an Opry member, Clower became a regular performer, making hundreds of appearances on the stage over the next 25 years until his death in 1998.[18] His routines, often drawn from everyday Southern anecdotes involving family, fishing, and church, fit seamlessly into the Opry's blend of music and comedy, where he shared billing with country legends like Roy Acuff.[19] Notable live recordings from his Opry performances include tracks like "Sittin' Up with the Dead" and "The New Chandelier," captured during a 1978 show and later released on albums such as Jerry Clower's Greatest Hits.[20] These appearances highlighted his clean, family-friendly humor, which resonated with Opry audiences and contributed to his status as a top-selling country comedian. Clower's Opry tenure underscored his enduring appeal in country entertainment, as he maintained a rigorous schedule of up to 200 shows annually, many incorporating faith-based testimonies that aligned with his Southern Baptist roots.[2] His involvement helped preserve the Opry's tradition of comedic interludes, a role not filled by another comedian until Henry Cho's induction 50 years later in 2023.[21] Through these performances, Clower solidified his legacy as the "Mouth of Mississippi," bringing authentic regional flavor to one of country's most iconic venues.[12]Television and Radio Appearances
Jerry Clower was a prominent figure on both television and radio, leveraging his storytelling comedy in country music programming throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His television debut came through guest spots on variety shows, where he showcased routines drawn from Southern life, quickly establishing him as a beloved entertainer in the genre.[22] Clower's most notable television role was as a regular performer on the syndicated variety series Hee Haw, appearing in episodes such as season 5, episode 23 (1974) featuring guests including Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, David Houston, Pat Boone, and Skeeter Davis. On the show, he delivered humorous monologues like "The 60-Pound Watermelon," blending rural anecdotes with the program's musical format to entertain audiences across the U.S.[23] From 1975 to 1981, he co-hosted Nashville on the Road with Jim Ed Brown, a travelogue-style series that combined on-location segments, artist interviews, and Clower's comedy, reaching viewers through syndication and highlighting emerging country talents.[24][25] Additional television credits included guest appearances on Mel Tillis Time in 1974, where he performed alongside the host in two episodes, and Pop! Goes the Country that same year, contributing comedic segments to the pop-country hybrid format. He also competed as a contestant on Family Feud in 1984 and guested on The Mike Douglas Show, further expanding his visibility in daytime and game show circuits. Later video specials, such as Jerry Clower Live #1 and Ain't God Good! (both 1990), captured his stage performances for home audiences, preserving routines like "Marcel and the Troop Train."[26][27] On radio, Clower's breakthrough came with his induction into the Grand Ole Opry on October 27, 1973, making him the last comedian to join while the program aired from the Ryman Auditorium. He performed regularly for 25 years, delivering live monologues that became staples, including recordings from a 1978 Opry House session released as Live from the Stage of the Grand Ole Opry.[19][16] In the 1980s, he co-hosted the syndicated Country Crossroads with Bill Mack, a weekly one-hour program distributed to affiliate stations that featured interviews, music, and Clower's humor, often with special guests like Reba McEntire.[28] These radio efforts solidified his role as a key voice in country comedy broadcasting.Personal Life
Family and Marriage
Jerry Clower married his high school sweetheart, Homerline Wells, on August 15, 1947, in a union that lasted 51 years until his death in 1998.[5][2] The couple first met as teenagers during a 1939 revival at East Fork Baptist Church in Amite County, Mississippi, where they were baptized on the same day, an event that foreshadowed their shared lifelong commitment to faith.[2] Homerline, born Doris Homerline Wells in 1926, provided steadfast support throughout Clower's comedy career, often traveling with him and managing family life amid his rising fame; she passed away on January 20, 2018, at age 91 in Liberty, Mississippi.[29][30] The couple raised their family primarily in Liberty, where Homerline focused on homemaking while Jerry pursued various professions before comedy.[2] Together, they had four children: a son, Ray Clower (1953–2011), and three daughters, Amy Elmore, Jerri Sue Hall, and Katy Johnson.[2][30] Ray, who lived in Gulfport, Mississippi, preceded his mother in death; the daughters resided in Clinton, Columbus, and East Fork, respectively, at the time of Jerry's passing.[2] The family grew to include seven grandchildren, reflecting the close-knit Southern roots that influenced much of Clower's humorous storytelling.[2][30]Religious Faith
Jerry Clower's religious faith was a cornerstone of his life and career, rooted in evangelical Christianity. He trusted Christ as his Savior at the age of 13 during a July 1939 revival meeting at East Fork Baptist Church in Smithdale, Mississippi, where he was subsequently baptized on the same day as his future wife, Homerline.[2] Throughout his life, Clower remained a devoted Southern Baptist, emphasizing the centrality of Jesus Christ in his personal testimony, often quoting John 3:30: "He must increase, but I must decrease," to express his desire to direct attention toward his faith rather than himself.[2] Clower was actively involved in church communities, maintaining long-term membership at East Fork Baptist Church, a small congregation of about 100 members, for decades. Earlier in his career, he served for 34 years at First Baptist Church in Yazoo City, Mississippi, where his faith influenced his civic actions, including efforts to integrate the local public schools amid opposition, which he described as an opportunity to grow "in grace as a Christian."[2] He viewed his comedic work as biblically aligned, drawing on Proverbs 17:22—"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine"—to justify his mission of bringing joy through clean, family-friendly humor that avoided anything unsuitable for church settings. Clower explicitly stated, "I’ve never made an album you couldn’t play in church," underscoring his commitment to integrating wholesome entertainment with Christian principles.[2] In his performances, Clower seamlessly wove his faith into his routine, regularly concluding up to 200 annual shows—many at Baptist meetings and churches—with a personal testimony of his salvation and gratitude to God. He co-hosted the Christian-country radio program Country Crossroads, broadcast on approximately 750 stations since the mid-1970s, where he shared faith-based messages alongside music. His 1975 book Ain’t God Good! and subsequent works further amplified this testimony, recounting how he believed laughter was absent only in hell and that he had "made arrangements to miss hell" through his faith in Christ. Clower often encouraged fellow believers to rely on "the blood of Calvary" rather than anxiety, reflecting a joyful, evangelistic approach that defined his religious expression.[2]Works
Books
Jerry Clower authored four books that captured his signature Southern humor, often drawing from personal experiences, family stories, and his deep Christian faith. These works, co-written in some cases with Gerry Wood, served as extensions of his comedic routines, allowing readers to enjoy his storytelling in print. Published between 1975 and 1992, the books emphasized lighthearted anecdotes about rural life in Mississippi, with themes of joy, resilience, and gratitude.[31] His first book, Ain't God Good!, released in 1975 by Word Books, blends comedic narratives with spiritual reflections, as Clower shares stories of everyday miracles and the importance of laughter in faith. The book praises divine providence through humorous tales, positioning comedy as a tool for spreading joy and religious messages, and it became a bestseller that resonated with his Grand Ole Opry audience.[32][33][1] In 1978, Clower published Let the Hammer Down! through W Publishing Group, a collection of lively anecdotes from his life, including tales of family antics, small-town mishaps, and the fast-paced energy of his performances—symbolized by the title's reference to accelerating full throttle. Co-authored with Gerry Wood, it highlights his quick-witted observations on Southern culture and personal growth, appealing to fans seeking more of his onstage charm in written form.[34][1] Life Everlaughter: The Heart and Humor of Jerry Clower, issued in 1987 by Rutledge Hill Press, offers an autobiographical look at his career and values, interweaving funny stories with insights into his roles as a husband, father, and comedian. The book explores how humor sustained him through challenges, emphasizing themes of eternal optimism and family bonds, and serves as a reflective companion to his earlier works.[35][36] Clower's final book, Stories from Home, appeared in 1992 from the University Press of Mississippi and features nostalgic tales of his Mississippi upbringing, including possum hunts, coon dog adventures, and the escapades of the fictional Ledbetter family—characters central to his comedy. Edited with contributions from Willie Morris, it evokes rural Americana with warmth and wit, providing a heartfelt capstone to his literary output.[37][38]| Title | Publication Year | Publisher | Co-Author/Editor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ain't God Good! | 1975 | Word Books | Gerry Wood |
| Let the Hammer Down! | 1978 | W Publishing Group | Gerry Wood |
| Life Everlaughter | 1987 | Rutledge Hill Press | None |
| Stories from Home | 1992 | University Press of Mississippi | Willie Morris (editor) |
Discography
Jerry Clower's recording career began in 1971 with MCA Records, following an initial release on Decca, and spanned over two decades of primarily comedy albums featuring his signature storytelling routines about Southern life.[13] His debut album, From Yazoo City – Mississippi Talkin', launched his national success, reaching No. 19 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and establishing his style of humorous monologues without musical accompaniment.[13] Subsequent releases, such as Clower Power in 1973, peaked at No. 7 on the same chart, solidifying his position as a top-selling country comedian with sales exceeding millions across his catalog.[13] Clower's discography includes over 20 original studio and live albums, plus numerous compilations and posthumous collections, mostly issued by MCA Records.[13] Key themes in his recordings revolved around everyday Southern anecdotes, family tales, and exaggerated hunting stories, often performed live to capture audience reactions.[13] Albums like Live in Picayune (1975) and The Ledbetter Olympics (1980) highlighted his stage presence, with the former entering the Top 10 on the country charts.[13] By the 1980s, his output shifted toward themed releases such as Dogs I Have Known (1982), while later works like Live at Dollywood (1997) reflected ongoing popularity.[13] Posthumous compilations, including Peaches and Possums (1998), continued to introduce his humor to new audiences.[13]| Year | Album Title | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | From Yazoo City – Mississippi Talkin' | Decca DL 75286 | Debut; No. 19 Billboard Country |
| 1972 | Mouth of Mississippi | Decca DL7-5342 | - |
| 1973 | Clower Power | MCA MCA-317 | No. 7 Billboard Country; Top Ten hit |
| 1974 | Country Ham | MCA MCA-417 | - |
| 1975 | Live in Picayune | MCA MCA-486 | Top Ten seller |
| 1976 | The Ambassador of Goodwill | MCA MCA-2205 | - |
| 1977 | Jerry Clower on the Road | MCA MCA-2281 | - |
| 1977 | Ain't God Good! | Word WST-8737 | Gospel-themed |
| 1978 | Live from the Stage of the Grand Ole Opry! | MCA MCA-3062 | - |
| 1979 | Jerry Clower's Greatest Hits | MCA MCA-3162 | Compilation |
| 1980 | The Ledbetter Olympics | MCA MCA-3247 | - |
| 1980 | The Best of Jerry Clower | Tee Vee TV-1053 | Compilation |
| 1981 | More Good 'Uns | MCA MCA-5215 | Last Top 50 chart album |
| 1982 | Dogs I Have Known | MCA MCA-5321 | - |
| 1983 | Jerry Clower Live at Cleburne, Texas | MCA MCA-5422 | Live |
| 1984 | Starke Raving! | MCA MCA-5491 | - |
| 1984 | Jerry Clower's Greatest Hits | MCA MCA-37247 | Compilation |
| 1986 | Runaway Truck | MCA MCA-5773 | - |
| 1987 | Top Gum | MCA MCA-42034 | - |
| 1989 | Let There Be Light (Live) | MCA MCA-42304 | Live |
| 1993 | Stories Told Funny | MCA MCAD-10878 | - |
| 1994 | Sidewinder | MCA MCAD-10595 | - |
| 1994 | Jerry Joins the Navy | MCA MCAD-11053 | - |
| 1995 | Fish 'n Frogs, Hawgs & Dawgs | MCA MCAD-11323 | - |
| 1997 | Live at Dollywood | MCA MCAD-11476 | Live |
| 1998 | Peaches and Possums | MCA MCAD-70042 | Posthumous final original |
| 1999 | More Clower Power | MCA 21126 | Posthumous compilation |
| 1999 | Great Moments with Jerry Clower | MCA 21127 | Posthumous compilation |
| 1999 | Legendary Clower | MCA 21128 | Posthumous compilation |
| 2005 | Ultimate Collection | Madacy 51073 | 2-CD posthumous |
| 2006 | Classic Clower Power | MCA 0006437 | 2-CD posthumous |
| 2008 | Collector's Edition | Madacy 54055 | 3-CD posthumous |
| 2008 | Jerry Clower | Madacy 54056 | 3-CD posthumous |
| 2011 | Icon | MCA 15096 | Posthumous compilation |